Solar thermal collector cabinet and system for heat storage

ABSTRACT

A solar thermal collection cabinet is disclosed that includes a thermal mass comprising concrete mix and metallic pieces. The cabinet includes a corrugated metallic surface with a black finish that faces solar radiation. A plurality of metallic bolts attaches the black corrugated surface to the thermal mass, to enable good heat conduction to the thermal mass. Channels through the thermal mass enable heat transfer fluid to circulate through the thermal mass, the heat transfer fluid exchange heat for direct utilization, or to transfer heat to a thermal storage reservoir through suitable heat exchanger means. Alternatively, the thermal storage reservoir continuously receives and returns heat exchange fluid whereby over extended periods of time the system approaches a thermal steady state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application based on provisionalapplications No. 61/128,758, filed May 27, 2008, and No. 61/131,847,filed Jun. 13, 2008, and claiming benefit of the priority date of bothapplications. The specification of both provisional applications61/128,758 and 61/131,847 are expressly fully incorporated by referenceherein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention was not Federally sponsored.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus that collects and stores radiantsolar energy and to systems that deliver solar energy to conventionalenvironmental systems. Solar energy is collected using solar thermalcollector cabinets backed with corrugated black body metallic plates foradditional heat transfer absorption. Banks of the solar thermalcollector cabinets are combined in parallel arrangements to increase theoverall heat collection. The banks of solar collector cabinets can becombined with the heating mode of HVAC systems to supply heating toexisting or new buildings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the solar thermal collector cabinet according to theinstant invention (1) from the side, in upright position.

FIG. 2 shows a solar energy collector cabinet of the instant inventionfrom the back view, in upright position.

FIG. 3 shows the end view of the solar cabinet of FIG. 1 in horizontalposition.

FIG. 4 shows details of the fluid pipes that transfer solar heat withinthe solar collector cabinet of FIG. 1, in combination with a black-bodycorrugated surface, as viewed from the top.

FIG. 5 illustrates the transparent window hinge/latch assembly of thesolar collector cabinet of FIG. 1, as viewed from the side, in uprightposition.

FIG. 6 shows the rigid walls and rigid and reflective insulation of thesolar collection cabinet of FIG. 1, in viewed from the front. Air pipe(5) is shown embedded in the thermal mass (9).

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic of a thermal battery consisting of fivesolar thermal collector cabinets connected together, including acomputer Input Output Control System (86) (IOCS).

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing banks of thermal solar collector cabinetsconnected to a fluid storage tank where heat is stored for long termstorage, and delivery using a radiant heat loop system.

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing banks of thermal solar collector cabinetsconnected to a fluid storage tank where heat is stored for long termstorage, and delivery using a heat exchange apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows the air manifolds and distribution, out going and return.

FIG. 11 shows a metal heat transfer conduit installed within the fluidpipe, as seen from the sides and top.

FIG. 12 shows the solar thermal collector cabinet (1) in combinationwith a conventional HVAV heat exchanger and horizontal geothermal heatcollector.

FIG. 13, shows another embodiment of the solar thermal collector cabinet(1) in combination with a conventional HVAV heat exchanger and verticalgeothermal heat collector.

FIG. 14 is a schematic showing banks of thermal solar collector cabinetsconnected to a fluid storage tank where heat is stored for long termstorage, and delivery using a radiant heat loop system, such as in FIG.8, further including metallic conductors within the fluid exchangepipes, to assist in conduction of heat to the storage tank.

FIG. 15 illustrates structural features of the transparent window (2)and its attachment to the solar collector cabinet (1).

FIG. 16 shows the solar collector cabinet (1) in combination withconventional HVAC systems and radiant heat exchange systems, furtherincluding a fluid storage tank or reservoir.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portable thermal battery comprising four solarthermal collector cabinets with a portable fluid tank, mounted on atrailer, and transported by a truck.

FIG. 18 shows magnifying glasses secured to the solar collector cabinetand adapted to focus radiant energy onto the thermal mass, includingdetails of the insulation layers.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the magnifying glasses, attached to shafts,focused onto the corrugated black body plate, with scrap aluminumsecured onto the shafts and embedded into the thermal mass.

FIG. 20 shows details of the solar thermal collector cabinet, incross-section.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative of the solar collector thermal cabinetwhere fluid reservoirs are embedded in the thermal mass to collect heat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is best described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1shows the solar thermal collector cabinet (1) of the instant inventionin its most basic form, in side view. Air is circulated within the solarthermal collector cabinet (1). Solar thermal energy is transmitted tothe air through transparent window (2). Heat is also absorbed by athermal mass (9). The solar thermal collector cabinet is supported onfooter (3), and includes a lifting frame (6) for moving the solarcollector cabinet (1). Frame (6) is fastened to footer (3) securing thesolar thermal collector cabinet to the footer (3). Radiant solar heatabsorbed by the solar thermal collector cabinet is transported by forcedconvection via fluid pipes (4), as well as air pipes (5). An outsidewall or shell (16 a) encloses insulation layer (7) and a reflectiverigid insulation layer (15), which includes an inner shell (16 b).Corrugated black body sheet (8) is attached to the thermal mass (9) withbolts (11). Solar oven (10) is located between transparent window (2)and corrugated black body sheet (8), where air is heated by solarradiation. In operation, air enters the solar oven (10) through air pipe(5). The air pipes are embedded within thermal mass (9). When air passesthrough the thermal mass, the air is heated before the air exits throughthe insulation. Exhaust vent (12) is an exhaust vent to release excesshot air. A damper (108), best seen in FIG. 5, can also be included withthe air exhaust. Hinge and anchor assembly (14) is located at the bottomof the solar collector cabinet, enabling the transparent window (2) tobe opened for cleaning or other maintenance. Latch/lock assembly (13) islocated at the top of the cabinet to hold the transparent window (2) ina closed position.

Black metallic corrugated plate (8) contacts thermal mass (9). It isunderstood that the thermal mass (9) could be any suitable material witha high thermal conductivity and suitable specific heat. Aggregates withor without a suitable binder for use as thermal mass (9) arecontemplated. Examples of binders include low temperature wax, naturalor synthetic resin, asphalt, concrete, cement, polymers, acrylics,pozzolanic additives such as fly ash, other additives to create optimalformulas, or combinations thereof. Additionally, water/fluid reservoirsmay be installed inside the thermal mass (9) to serve as additionalthermal storage within the thermal mass, as best seen as element (105)in FIG. 21. Containers of a water and anti-freeze fluid mix or oil (105)for instance could be located inside the thermal mass, which may serveas a thermal sink inside the thermal mass, in reference to FIG. 21.Solar energy radiates through the transparent window (2), by black-bodyradiation, to the black metal corrugated plate (8). The metal corrugatedplate (8) could be coated with an asphalt, tar or similar coating oneither or both surfaces to better absorb radiant heat from black-bodyradiation. It is understood that the window (2) could be made fromsingle or multiple panes. Multiple panes could include suitable airspaces between the panes for thermal insulation purposes. The window (2)could be glass, plastic, or composites. An insulated thermal cover iscontemplated, overlying the transparent window (2). The purpose of thisthermal cover is to prevent back radiation to the ambient during thenight or whenever the ambient temperature is cold, and sunlight isminimal. The thermal cover may be activated by manual or mechanicalmeans well known in the art. Single or multiple sections arecontemplated for the thermal cover. The thermal cover could be rigid orflexible, paneled or louvered. Radiant energy in turn is transported byheat conduction into the thermal mass (9), which serves as a heat sinkto store heat. Bolts and nuts (11) increase the surface area for heatconduction into the thermal mass (9). Preferably the bolts and nuts (11)are made from a metal that is very high in heat conduction, such asaluminum or copper, or other metals that possess the proper mechanicaland thermal properties. It is understood that the bolts and nuts (11)can be supplied in as many numbers as is economical, even though onlytwo are shown in FIG. 1. In this manner, a large area for thermaldiffusion is available to conduct heat into the thermal mass (9).Insulation (7) surrounds the thermal mass (9) to minimize heat transferlosses by radiation, conduction and convection to the atmosphere.Exhaust vent (12) may release excess air utilizing a thermostat Adamper, as seen as element (108) in FIG. 5 controls exhaust venting.Computer control (86), as seen in FIG. 16, is configured to controldamper (108), in addition to other automatic control functions.

FIG. 2 shows details of the metal lifting frame (6) embedded in thethermal mass (9), underlying transparent window (2). Insulation layer(7) has an inner shell (16 b) and an outer shell (16 a).

FIG. 3 shows the same solar thermal collector cabinet of FIG. 2, as seenin section from the end position. A rigid top rim (17) is seen,contacting the top of transparent window (2). Insulation layers (15),(16 a) and (16 b) are seen surrounding the thermal mass (9). It isunderstood that the entire solar thermal collector cabinet is portable,and can be moved to any position desired, or may be secured to apermanent structure, whereby it cannot be easily removed withoutauthorization. Preferably the solar thermal collector cabinet is placedon the support footer (3).

FIG. 4 shows of the solar thermal collector cabinet (1) as seen from thetop, looking below the corrugated black body sheet (8). Fluid pipe (4)is connected to the corrugated sheet (8) with brackets (20). The fluidpipe can take any convenient path, such as the serpentine shown here. Itis expressly understood that any pattern is contemplated within thescope of the invention. Bracket (20) aids in conducting heat to thefluid pipe (4). Metallic conductor (92) is coaxially located withinfluid pipe (4) to aid in heat transfer longitudinally along fluid pipe(4) in a manner described below. Element (18) is a fluid pump, andelement (19) is a temperature sensor.

The fluid pipe (4) is embedded in the thermal mass in a systematicserpentine configuration that is spaced and positioned in the thermalmass (9) to allow for a balanced and uniform exposure of heat to equalareas of the thermal mass (9), creating thermal equilibrium throughoutthe thermal mass (9). Where the thermal mass (9) is cooler than thetemperature of the heat transfer fluid, the thermal mass (9) is heatedby the heat transfer fluid via forced convection through the fluid pipe(4). Conversely, where the thermal mass (9) is warmer than the heattransfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid is warmed by forced convection.In this way, the total thermal mass is kept close to the sametemperature. In addition the thermal mass (9) will receive heat from theblack metal corrugated plate (8), as it is heated by the solar radiationto the black metallic surface. Metal plate (8) also transfers heat byforced convection to the fluid interposed between the transparent window(2) and the black metallic corrugated surface (8). Usually this fluid isair. Note also the outgoing and return fluid pipes (4) extending throughthe rigid and reflective insulation (15). Pump (18), conveniently solarpowered, moves the heat transfer fluid throughout the thermal mass (9).It is understood that any conventional pump, using any convenient energysource, is applicable to the invention. Most conveniently, solar energyis advantageous to power the pump. Temperature gauges (19) are locatedat both the inlet and outlet fluid pipes (4) to measure the fluid inletand outlet temperatures. These temperature gauges (19) also providefeedback to computer control systems (86) seen in detail in FIGS. 7 and16.

FIG. 5 shows the thermal solar collector cabinet of FIG. 1 furtherincluding lateral extension and (23) and vertical extension (24), ofmetal lifting frame (6). Damper (108) regulates air exhaust.

Outside and inside metal cabinet wall (16 a) and (16 b) may comprise ametal mesh, covered with any suitable materials, including but notlimited to fiberglass, cement, epoxy or resin coating. The outside wallor shell (16 a) or (16 b) may also be constructed using metal as a skin.The walls or shells will be secured with bolts (97), tied into thethermal mass and attached to the lifting frame extensions. A rigid andreflective insulation (15) is located interior of the outside wall. Anair gap could be suitably located between the outside wall (16 a) andthe insulation (15) as well as between insulation (15) and inner wall(16 b), or between insulation panels, to further insulate the solarthermal collector cabinet, as is conventional in the insulation art. Thesurfaces of insulation (15) are preferably reflective, to reflect heatback into the solar thermal collector cabinet. Insulation layer (15)could comprise one or more layers, with reflective coatings and airspaces.

The thermal mass (9) used includes an aggregate, or a mix includingbonding agents and reinforcing fiber into the thermal mass (9). Apreferred embodiment includes aluminum aggregate to maximize thermaldiffusion within the solid and minimize weight. Compacted or granulatedaluminum cans, or other convenient aluminum scrap shaped and sized toserve as the aggregate for a cement/concrete mix have been found to beideal stock material for manufacturing aluminum aggregate, both becauseof their ready availability and cost. The compacted aluminum can beshaped and sized in the desired formulas to replace stone aggregate,offering several advantages over stone aggregate. First, the weight ofthe concrete mass is greatly reduced. Second, aluminum is a superiorheat conductor and will therefore more easily transfer heat to the fluidpipe and ultimately to the fluid storage tank to aid with increasing thefluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid storage tank. The aluminumaggregate also aids greatly in diffusion of heat within the thermal mass(9). Although aluminum cans are contemplated because of their relativecost and availability, any metal scrap or stock material that possessesthe requisite thermal conductivity is usable within the scope of theinvention. In a very efficient embodiment, the aluminum stock can beinstalled as a heat fin attached to the bolts (11) to increase heattransfer from the bolts (11) to the thermal mass (9).

FIG. (6) shows details of the air pipe (5), as seen from below thecorrugated plate (8). Pipe (5) winds through thermal mass (9) in thisview. Fan (45) forces the air through the circuit Temperature sensorsare located at (21).

Rigid and reflective insulation (15) is located inside the solar thermalcollector cabinet. The rigid and reflective insulation (15) ispositioned directly against the inside of the rigid wall of the cabinet,interposed between the rigid wall and the thermal mass (9). Thermal mass(9) could be any suitable material with a high thermal conductivity andsuitable specific heat. Examples include cement, concrete, lowtemperature natural or synthetic wax, natural or synthetic resins,asphalt, thermal oils, aluminum scrap with or without bonding agents,granulated aluminum with or without bonding agents, or combinationsthereof. In the Figures herein, cement mix can be the thermal mass (9)depicted. When cement mix is utilized, the rigid and reflectiveinsulation (15) serves as the form and support for the pouring andinstalling of the wet cement mix, which will become the thermal mass(9). In the a highly preferred embodiment the thermal mass (9) isgranular or compacted scrap aluminum with a bonding agent. The rigid andreflective insulation (15) occupies the floor and walls inside the solarthermal collector cabinet, and includes the wall areas around the solaroven (10) (see FIG. 5). The rigid and reflective insulation (15) isomitted on the top side of the cement mass towards the transparentwindow (2). This surface is covered by the black metal corrugated plate(8). The arrangement of the rigid and reflective insulation (15) and hotair pipes is designed to prevent heat loss from the thermal mass (9),fluid pipes (4), heat transfer fluid, black metal corrugated plate (8)and solar oven (10). The insulation configuration may include airchambers, or insulation techniques or insulation products to minimizeheat loss from the solar thermal collector cabinet.

Fluid pipe (4) travels along the underside of the black metalliccorrugated plate (8) in a back and forth loop configuration in order tomaximize the number of surface contacts between the fluid pipe (4) andthe black metal corrugated plate (8). The fluid pipe (4) is affixed tothe black metal corrugated plate (8) firmly so as to produce a unitaryconfiguration, and maximize heat conduction, such as by welding.Fasteners or brackets (20) between the fluid pipe (4) and the corrugatedmetallic plate (8) that maximize heat transfer conductive area areusable. The important consideration is to maximize thermal conductionbetween the fluid pipe (4) and the metallic corrugated plate (8).

FIG. 7 shows the a bank of solar thermal collector cabinets (25)connected in parallel utilizing manifolds. Although FIG. 7 shows fivesolar thermal collector cabinets connected in parallel, it is understoodthat any number of thermal solar collector cabinets may be connected ineither parallel, series, or some combination of parallel or series, asbest optimizes the system for the particular individual conditions. IOCScomputer control system (86) advantageously controls the system tooptimize heat transfer parameters. The thermal solar collector cabinetscan be installed in vertical, horizontal, or any combinations thereof.

FIG. 8 shows an insulated fluid storage tank (27). Storage tank (27)contains a large volume of heat transfer fluid to stabilize short-termfluctuations in the overall operating temperature of the system. Heat isalso stored in the storage tank (27), which must be well insulated. Theamount and type of insulation is determined by the economics of thesystem and is left to the designer to determine based on current energycosts and insulation costs, and best efficiencies. It is contemplatedwithin the scope of the invention to utilize a heated jacket (109)around storage tank (27), to prevent heat transfer from the storage tank(27). When in operation, such a heated jacket is kept at the sametemperature as the bulk temperature of the fluid within storage tank(27), through an automatic control system. Such systems are well knownin the art, as for instance in a Junkers calorimeter, and need not bedescribed further herein. Hot heat transfer fluid from pipes (4) ispumped by pump (32) through out-going manifold (34) and in seriesthrough filter (41), then insulated fluid pipe (30). Fluid pipe (30)communicates with fluid storage tank (27). Heat transfer fluid fromstorage tank (27) is supplied to a radiant heat loop system (40) viamanifold (36), by pump (38). Temperature gauges, and computer controlledvalves, and flow gauges are supplied at (28). Return heat transfer fluidis distributed through manifold (37) by pump (39) to fluid storage tank(27). Pump (33) supplies return fluid, through insulated fluid pipe (31)to the return manifold (35) and pipes (4). It is understood that thepipes (4) represent input and output connections to solar thermalcollector cabinets or batteries of cabinets. Alternatively, a singlesolar thermal collector cabinet could be utilized. Ultimately, a steadystate can be attained in the building wherein the heat stored in thestorage tank (27) will be sufficient to maintain the environmentalconditions in the building at a constant temperature throughout theyear, as well as during short-term fluctuations in the ambienttemperatures.

FIG. 9 shows a combination system that replaces the radiant heattransfer loop with a heat exchanger loop. Otherwise, it is identical tothe system of FIG. 8. Conventional water-to-water heat exchangers,and/or conventional water-to-air heat exchangers are shown as (42).Another aspect of this embodiment of the invention is the reduction inenergy used by HVAC systems because of the preheated fluids supplied bythe solar thermal collection cabinets.

FIG. 10 details the air manifolds in the air transfer circuit. Outgoingair is distributed through air out-going manifold duct (47), past flowand temperature sensors with computer controlled valves (shown in blockas (46)), by fan (45), and through filter (44). The out-going air isdistributed at (43) by any conventional means of air distribution.Return air is collected at (48), filtered at (49), and moved to airreturn manifold/duct (51) by fan (50). As shown the air out-going andreturn manifolds/ducts are separate, but it must be understood that theyare in actuality the same thermal solar collector cabinet or battery ofcabinets. A major difference in the air transfer system and the fluidtransfer system, is that warm air is not stored or saved, thereforethere is no storage tank with the air transfer system. The air transfersystem can operate independently of the fluid transfer system, or incombination with each other, with suitable computer control to optimizethe economics. Where the air transfer system is combined with the fluidtransfer system, of course a fluid storage tank can be included.

FIG. 11 shows the juxtaposition of two heat pipes (4) surrounded byinsulation (58). Metallic conductor (92) is coaxially located withinheat pipes (4) to help eliminate hot spots within the pipes (4) via heatconduction. Sleeve (59) maintains pipes (4) in heat transfer contact.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the invention where a geothermalheat exchange system is included with the solar thermal collectorcabinets shown herein. HVAC heat exchanger (42) is supplied with inputfluid from switch valve (72) where either heated water from the solarthermal collector cabinet (1) or water heated to the groundwatertemperature through geothermal in ground horizontal loop system (63).Return fluid from the HVAC system feeds the geothermal heat exchangersthrough fluid pipe return (62). Valves (65) and (66) control the inground system. Switch valve (68), located in the supply fluid pipe (73)is used to divert all or part of the fluid from the geothermal system orsystems into the solar thermal collector cabinet (1). Fluid pipe (67)delivers fluid to the solar thermal collector cabinet; and fluid pipe(69) returns fluid from the solar thermal collector cabinet. Fluidfurther heated in the cabinet (1) is then conjoined with fluid in supplyfluid pipe (73) at switch valve (72). In this manner, the HVAC systemworks with the advantage that the inlet fluid is pre-heated, therebyreducing the load on the HVAC system. All the control valves (65), (66),(68), and (72) can be independently operated and are intended to be partof an overall computer controlled system. The control valves can beindividually partially or completely opened at the most economicaloverall setting.

FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of the invention where a geothermalheat exchange system is included with the solar thermal collectorcabinets shown herein. HVAC heat exchanger (42) is supplied with inputfluid from switch valve (72) where either heated water via fluid supplypipe (69) from the solar thermal collector cabinet (1) or water heatedto the groundwater temperature through geothermal in ground verticalloop system (64). Return fluid from the HVAC system feeds the geothermalheat exchangers through fluid pipe return (62). Valves (70) and (71)control the in ground system. Switch valve (68), located in the supplyfluid pipe (73) is used to divert all or part of the fluid from thegeothermal system or systems into the solar thermal collector cabinet(1), through fluid line (67). Fluid further heated in the cabinet (1)passes through fluid line (69) is conjoined with fluid in supply fluidpipe (73) at switch valve (72). In this manner, the HVAC system workswith the advantage that the inlet fluid is pre-heated, thereby reducingthe load on the HVAC system. All the control valves (68), (70), (71),and (72) can be independently operated and are intended to be part of anoverall computer controlled system. The control valves can beindividually partially or completely opened at the most economicaloverall setting.

FIG. 14 shows the system as depicted in FIG. 8, including metallicconductor (92) coaxially located in pipes (30) and (31). The purpose ofthe metallic conductor (92) is to assist the forced conduction of heatthrough the pipes, to the heat storage reservoir (27), by adding aconductive component to the heat exchange.

FIG. 15 shows details of the hinge bracket assembly (14) around whichtransparent window (2) rotates. An anchor shaft is pivotally attached totransparent window (2) with a bracket as shown.

FIG. 16 shows the combination of solar thermal collector cabinet (1)combined with radiant heat loop system (40), HVAC system (42). Heatedfluid from the cabinet (1) is distributed to the fluid storage tank(27), from which fluid can be sent to and returned from the HVAC units(42) through conduits (80). Fluid can also be sent from storage tank(27) to the radiant loop system (40), via conduits (76), and manifolds(77). Either the radiant loop system or the HVAC system, or anycombination thereof, can be utilized. It is understood that IOCS (86)controls the overall system to optimize efficiency. Radiant loop system(40) is located on slab (78). The fluid storage tank (27) suppliesheated fluid to both the radiant floor and wall heat loop system (40)embedded in concrete slab (78). Radiant loop system (40) delivers heatedfluid through fluid pipes (76). Loop manifolds (77) distribute incomingand outgoing fluid from and to the storage tank (27). Incoming andoutgoing fluid pipes (80) deliver incoming and outgoing fluid to HVACunits (42), which exchanges heat through a water to water system.Similarly, fluid pipes (80) could deliver heated water to a water-to-airHVAC system (42). In actual use, one or both of the HVAC systems couldbe incorporated in the combination. Hot air from solar thermal collectorcabinet (1) is transported through air pipes (5) to be delivered throughhot air distribution port (43) and return air collected through aircollection port (48). Intelligent operating computer system (86)controls and optimizes the operation of the combined system. It isunderstood that flow sensors, temperature sensors, and valvesresponsible to the computer system (86) can be placed in any part of thefluid circuit where desired.

FIG. 17 is a portable battery of four solar thermal collector cabinets(1). Fluid heated within the solar thermal collector cabinets (1) iscollected in the fluid storage tank, and transported to the site wheredesired. Alternatively, the portable battery could be moved to the site,for instance to replace a defective unit. It is understood that thesolar thermal collector cabinets can be made entirely mobile. This isparticularly advantageous for temporary installations, or whereadditional solar thermal collector cabinets are necessary because ofunusual weather conditions, or where replacement units are necessary ona temporary basis. Also, it is advantageous to have the solar thermalcollector cabinets rotatable to enable the window to face the solarradiation with an optimum angle, to maximize black body solar radiation.With this embodiment, the brackets are specifically designed to enablemovement of the solar thermal collector cabinets.

FIG. 18 introduces yet another aspect of the invention. A plurality ofradiant energy concentrating mechanisms, such as magnifying glasses (52)are operatively associated with transparent window (2). The magnifyingglasses (52) are adjustable through adjustable mechanical linkages (53),such as threaded rods and holding brackets.

FIG. 19 shows the magnifying glasses (52) in their simplest embodiment.Here a threaded rod or bolt (54) is rotatably inserted in an opening inthermal mass (9). Threaded nuts or brackets (55) affix the threadedmetal rod (54) to the thermal mass (9), passing through black metalcorrugated metal surface (8). By suitable adjustment of the magnifyingglasses (52), radiant energy can be concentrated in smaller areas, suchas directly impinging onto bolts (11), thereby increasing the heattransported by conduction through bolts (11) to the thermal mass (9).Suitable pneumatic or other mechanical control systems can be utilized,whereby individual magnifying glasses (52) can be focused on coolerspots on the surface of the corrugated metal plate (8). Aluminum scrap(29) is seen attached to metal rods (54) and embedded into thermal mass(9) to enhance heat transfer to the thermal mass (9) by increasing thearea of heat transfer.

It is understood that the lenses or sheets of lenses could equally beattached above or below transparent window (2). The magnifying lenses orsheets of lenses could be molded within the transparent sheet, orlaminated between transparent sheets.

FIG. 20 shows detail of the solar thermal collector cabinet. Fromoutside to inside, first the outer layer is metal lath (93). The metallath outer layer (93) forms a rigid outer wall, using metal or a lathsystem covered with mortar stucco mix or an epoxy or a fiberglassformula. The coatings may be sprayed on or troweled on so as to bondwith the metal lath. The lath is affixed to the outer wall or shell (16a) to create a unitary construction. Suitable insulation (94) is thenext layer, contiguous to the metal outer layer (93). An insulating airchamber (95) is interposed between the reflective insulation (94) andsheets or panels of rigid insulation (15). An inner wall or shell (16 b)can also be used, if desired. Spacers (98) are installed inside of thereflective insulation to create the air chamber to increase theefficiency of the reflective insulation. Transparent window (2) allowsthermal radiation to pass through into the cabinet.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the solar thermal collector cabinet (1).Thermal window cover (102) is shown covering transparent window (2), toprevent back radiation at night, for instance. Brackets (103) secure thecabinet to footer (3). Fluid reservoirs (105) help store heat that iscollected in thermal mass (9).

1. A cabinet for collecting solar radiant energy, storing the solarenergy as thermal energy, and further for distributing the thermalenergy to at least one heat transfer fluid, comprising a cabinetincluding a front and back wall members comprising a pair of verticalopposed wall members, and two side members comprising a pair of verticalopposed side wall members, the front wall member being transparent tosolar thermal radiation, and a top and bottom wall member, the wallmembers being connected along their perimeters in a fluid imperviousfashion forming a sealed box, a thermal mass embedded within the spacedefined by the wall members, the thermal mass covered by a corrugatedblack surface interposed between the transparent front wall member andthe thermal mass, whereby the black corrugated surface is exposed tosolar radiation that passes through the transparent front wall member,wherein the thermal mass and corrugated black surface are recessedbehind the front transparent wall member, creating an empty spacebetween the transparent front wall member and the corrugated blacksurface, the solar cabinet further including ports to enable fluid toenter and exit the empty space between the transparent front wall memberand the corrugated black surface, for the purpose of heating the fluidby solar thermal radiation and heat transfer from the corrugated blacksurface and thermal mass, and where the thermal mass further includeschannels for fluid transportation within the thermal mass, for thepurpose of transferring heat from the thermal mass to a circulatingfluid, the solar cabinet including fluid ports in fluid communicationwith the channels within the thermal mass.
 2. The solar cabinet of claim1 wherein the corrugated black surface is bolted to the underlyingthermal mass with black metallic bolts, the black metallic bolts havinga large surface area for heat conduction to the thermal mass and a largesurface area for radiant solar heat exchange.
 3. The solar cabinet ofclaim 1 wherein the thermal mass is a concrete mix with aluminum piecesuniformly distributed within the concrete mix, wherein the concrete mixis both lighter and more heat conductive than the concrete mix withoutthe aluminum pieces.
 4. The solar cabinet of claim 4 wherein theconcrete mix is Portland cement.
 5. The solar cabinet of claim 1 furtherincluding handle means enabling the solar cabinet to be lifted fortransportation to an alternate location and rotated to maximize theexposure of the transparent window member to solar radiation.
 6. Thesolar cabinet of claim 1 further including hinge means to open thetransparent front wall member for cleaning and inspection of the solarthermal cabinet and its components.
 7. The solar cabinet of claim 1further including insulation between the back wall member, side wallmembers, and the thermal mass for the purpose of minimizing thermal lossthrough the wall members.
 8. The solar collector cabinet of claim 7wherein the insulation comprises several layers.
 9. The solar collectorcabinet of claim 7 wherein one insulation layer is a hollow layerdefining a gas or evacuated space.
 10. The solar cabinet of claim 5wherein the handle means comprises metallic rods embedded through thevertical walls and through the thermal mass.
 11. The solar cabinet ofclaim 1 wherein the fluid channels within the thermal mass areserpentine.
 12. The solar cabinet of claim 3 wherein the aluminum piecesare crushed and compacted recycled aluminum cans.
 13. The solar cabinetof claim 1 wherein the solar cabinet is in fluid communication with athermal storage reservoir, through the fluid transfer ports, wherebyradiant energy collected by the solar cabinet is transferred by a heattransfer fluid, circulated through the fluid channels in the thermalmass, to the thermal storage reservoir.
 14. The solar cabinet of claim 1wherein fluid circulated through the hollow space between the corrugatedblack surface and the transparent front wall member is in fluidcommunication with the thermal storage reservoir of claim 13, wherebyradiant energy is transferred and stored by the thermal storagereservoir.
 14. A thermal mass to absorb heat by conduction, the thermalmass comprising an aggregate including a bonding agent and reinforcingmetallic pieces.
 15. The thermal mass of claim 14 wherein the aggregateis concrete.
 16. The thermal mass of claim 15 wherein the reinforcingmetallic pieces are aluminum.